Causion's 2016-2017 NBA Prediction
The new 2016-2017 season is upon us, and with a new year usually comes new possibilities and new contenders. But lets be real, the NBA championship will most like be decided between two to maybe three teams once gain this year. And honestly, that is how it has been for a while now. Though there are some teams that look improved on paper and have shuffled their lineups up to look more viable, the reality is, there are two power houses in the league and one or two teams who may upset the apple cart.
Let's take a look at my prediction for top contenders.
Let's take a look at my prediction for top contenders.
- Golden State Warriors - The Warriors went out and added the best free agent on teh market and best scorer not named Steph Curry, to a team that already won the most games in NBA history last season.
- Cleveland Cavaliers - The Cavs are coming off a championship season where they defeated the greatest regular season team ever and climbed back from a 3-1 deficit. Oh yea, and they have Lebron James.
- San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs finished with the 2nd best record in the league last year and were defeated by a OKC team that are no longer together. Also with the retirement of Tim Duncan, this is Kawhi's team.
And pretty much that's all folks. Sure there are some teams that will compete and will be improved, but nobody else is really seriously a contender.
The Clippers will be around if health is on their side this season. Blake Griffin struggled with injuries last year, as did Chris Paul. And the team suffered because of it. The Thunder lost a superstar, but they still have a savage who is out to prove a point in Russel Westbrook. They will compete, but they will not be a threat for a championship run. The Bulls added Dwayne Wade and Rondo, and I'm sure they will be much improved. But can they beat the Cavs? Hell no. The Knicks once again dominate headlines, and have added Derrick Rose and Noah to Melo's squad. But let's be real. Those guys may not even play 50 games, much less win 50 games. The Raptors, Bucks, Pacers, Hawks and Wizards all will make the Playoffs, and stand no chance.
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MVP
What should be interesting is the MVP race. Steph Curry is coming off winning the first ever unanimous MVP award last year. The odds he will win his third straight honor decreased significantly when Durant joined his team. Lebron and Kyrie will battle for MVP of their own team as well, so their chances diminish. So for me it comes down to two men, Kawhi Leonard and Russel Westbrook. And I think Westrook is going to average a triple double. This guy i on a mission and he will do whatever he can to show how great he is. Westbrook is going to be unleashed this year. |
But as for the championship, many have called it a foregone conclusion that both Cleveland and Golden State will meet again in the finals. But I would like to say, "Not so fast my friends". The Warriors added a great offensive weapon in Kevin Durant, but they lost rim protection, rebounding and height at the 3, 4, and 5 positions. Their defense will come back to bite them. I believe the Spurs adding Pau Gasol, Aldridge taking a larger role in the offense and Kawhi Leonard emerging as the superstar he is, on both ends of the court, will push the Spurs into the NBA finals. Call me a fan all you want, but the Spurs are ready this year. They have a bench that is deeper than the Warriors and a front line that won't be denied in the Playoffs.
The Spurs will face the Cavs in the Finals and may the best man win.
The Spurs will face the Cavs in the Finals and may the best man win.